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    Indianapolis Fire Department Museum

    4.6 (9 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

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    Vintage fire trucks
    Rachel S.

    You know those places that you've passed by many times and never given them a second thought? The Indianapolis Fire Fighter's Museum was that for me. I never even considered stopping in until I stumbled upon it one day and was pulled in by the open garage door entrance given the nice weather. There is no official entrance fee, although there is a box for donations near the door and on the wall in some of the rooms. The volunteers, both retired fire fighters, were accommodating of all our questions and were happy to show us around. I was in awe of the sheer collection of vintage equipment and trucks they had. They did a great job including signage, videos, and stories if you wanted to dive into learning in a specific area. Their hours are Monday to Friday 9-4, but if it's not open the volunteers shared you can go the second floor and ask the staff to open it. This would be a fun stop for a family or someone looking to experience a historical part of the city. I highly recommend stopping in!

    Pumper.  Year 1919
    Scott S.

    Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in Fire department memorabilia, fire engines, or just the history of Indianapolis. The museum sits on a corner and it's a beautiful brick building. There are two stories to the museum and the main attraction is definitely the multiple fire engines and the history of the fire department and city. The building is very clean and well kept which I believe also houses the firefighters union hall It's free to visit and parking is free in the neighborhood behind the museum or there's metered parking in the front. There's nice restaurants, shops, breweries and more surrounding the museum so it's a great spot to enjoy an afternoon or evening.

    toy collection
    Ken N.

    The Indpls Firefighters' Museum and Survive Alive is located on the first and second floors of the new building on the corner of Mass Ave and St Clair. It is a free museum but will gladly take cash donations in the contribution boxes on both floors. Within the museum, you will see historic fire trucks, equipment, collections of toys, plates, and all things firefighter related. There are photos and videos of routine and extraordinary events that firefighters have had to deal with. Note that there may not be anyone to talk with about what you are looking at. There is usually some metered street parking available on Mass Ave and possibly some free parallel parking on St Clair (east bound only) if you are lucky. The entrance to the museum is on the north end of the building; the same entrance as if you are going into the union. The exhibits are to the left across the lobby though a sign by the elevator directs you to the second floor. I decided to head into the first floor exhibits and later, used the stairs on the south side of the building to review the second floor items. If you are interested in history, like firefighter related memorabilia, or are an Indy buff, there is bound to be something of interest for you. Review #1377

    Closed for remodeling.

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    Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

    Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

    4.5
    (147 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    I've wanted to visit the Eiteljorg for a while now so I'm glad I got to visit on MLK Free Day!…read more I won't give away too much of what's inside but there's a lot of artwork by artists who are Native to the North American landmass, inclusive of Inuit art. I liked the Jingle Rails special holiday exhibit which featured recreations of many landmarks across the United States with electric train sets moving throughout the exhibit. I shared a few of my favorite sights with this review. There is also a nice cafe that has a pretty full service menu. Since we already had lunch, we only stopped by for a soft drink. You can actually visit the cafe without visiting the full museum, and receipts to the cafe can actually validate the underground parking at the White River State Park!

    Spent Juneteenth enjoying the opportunities around the city and seeing as though I was just at…read moreNewfields 2 weeks ago I figured it would be awesome to come to Eiteljorg since it had been a while since we've been. We came in through The Indiana State museum and walked out on the canal and entered in the back way. We were greeted by the most wonderful volunteer, very helpful and enjoying herself. We entered to music playing and people exploring the grounds outside. Plenty of space to walk and enjoy outside. We walked up the steps to discover the play area and more steps going up to outdoor seating for the cafe. We entered the kids play area. I loved the creative play offered inside. The library and all of the resources provided. My grandson had the opportunity to play and explore for a while. Pose for a few pictures and then upstairs to the exhibit area where some vendors were set up. I always enjoy engaging with the vendors and finding out about their different offerings. I purchased and few things and then we made our way through the museum. It was a wonderful time. Something educational for my grandlove and outof the norm for us. They have made some upgrades ans changed some things since I was here last. Looking forward to our next opportunity to stop in and see whats in store.

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    Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art
    Cowboy Couture
    Cowboy Couture
    Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

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    The Children's Museum

    The Children's Museum

    4.5
    (584 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    I grew up coming here, and it is my favorite museum by far! Now, I get to take my nephew to have…read morethe same memories, I did growing up. Personally, my favorite exhibit is the Stem lab, but they regularly have new ones, coming and going. While my nephew really enjoys the outside area. While tickets can be expensive, there is still great value in a whole day's trip. Not to mention, the parking is free and most of the museum is included. Also, they offer a variety of discounted days. The museum is very accessible and has a wide arrange of items to help visitors, who may need it. They can help you with almost anything, you may need during your visit. The store also sells some cool things; you can't find anywhere else. Overall, I would say this is a place that everyone should visit at least once, and I couldn't recommend it enough to to out of town visitors.

    We visited this children's museum with our 4- and 5-year-old boys during our cross-country road…read moretrip. Based on everything we had heard and read beforehand, we were expecting it to be one of the highlights of our trip. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to those expectations. The museum is located in an area of Indianapolis that we didn't find particularly inviting, which wasn't the best first impression. Inside, the sports exhibit was by far the highlight of our visit and was modern, interactive, and a lot of fun for our kids. However, many of the other exhibits felt dated and could benefit from some updates. We've visited several other children's museums around the country, and while we still had a good time here, we didn't feel this one offered as much value for the admission price as some of the others we've experienced. Overall, it's still a fun place to visit, especially for families with young children, but it didn't quite match the reputation we had heard or the expectations we had going into our visit.

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    Dino
    Dino
    The Children's Museum
    TRex Skeleton

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    Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum

    Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum

    4.5
    (11 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    For those looking for the Museum at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (middle of Monument Circle)…read moreto find this museum, you are looking in the wrong place. Back in 2018, the collection was moved to the Indiana World War Monument (431 N Meridian) to provide more display space and to do repair work under the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. As of the time of this review, the collection has been moved for over a year and my thoughts are part of the review listed on that location. According to the staff working in the Soldiers and Sailors gift shop (located on the south side of the monument at the top of the steps), something new will occupy the space under the monument once repairs have been completed. It has not been released what will go in the space. Review #2581

    How are there not more reviews of this place? Do you not know it is here? Read my review and then…read moreget your butt over there! This is a FREE MUSEUM, so that alone bumped up the stars to at least four. Add in the fact that the museum is Indiana-centric, in the basement of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, is dark and super creepy, has really cool artifacts including a chunk of tree trunk with a cannon ball stuck in it that soldiers cut from Gettysburg and brought back here, how could I not give it five stars?!?! - It's free, but don't be a jerk - donate a couple bucks. - You won't need much time. If you only skim the exhibits, you will be out in five minutes. Read every card and you might be there an hour. - Did I mention, please donate to this lovely free museum? - Read the medical treatment cards and be so grateful we live in a time of modern medicine. - Can't figure out where to get in? The entrance is on the southwest side of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Monument Circle).

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    Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum
    Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum
    New location inside the World War Memorial

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    New location inside the World War Memorial
    Indianapolis Canal Walk

    Indianapolis Canal Walk

    4.5
    (206 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Goodness, have I walked the canal about 50 times now?!…read more It's such a unique experience for Indy to have some water space in the middle of the city. This 3 mile loop will take you from 11th Street down to White River State Park to access the green space and extra trails down there. The canal water itself is not super cute, where there can be litter, and the water is rather opaque. They do drain the canal every so often to keep it from getting too uncute. The sidewalks are kept nicer, though a few spots in front of apartment buildings could use some TLC. There are also a few spots where the sidewalk is not level, so take caution if that is an issue. It's mostly stair access to the canal, but I *think* I've seen an elevator around the Ohio street basin. The canal has a few businesses along it for your merriment. Notably, there is Fresco on the Canal (I have a separate review for this) which is open March-October. Eiteljorg museum cafe is open daily around the lunch hours (11-3) and can be accessed through their patio gate. Entertainment wise, there is more going on. I've done the swan boat rentals, where you can pedal around on the canal. This is quite a workout! Rental of swan boats and kayaks is near the Ohio Street basin. There is also the gondolas, where your gondolier can sing, and they've always sounded marvelous. There's also a few stations for the Pacers Bikeshare around the canal, which is free for Marion County residents. Any time the weather is right, you can find me getting my steps in!

    Nice river walk nearby center city area. It's refreshing looking at the water flowing through…read more We saw some fishes so definitely clean water for the city. Love the greens, bridges, arts around it. It would better with warmer weather for sure. I couldn't walk far because of the cold. But overall I love the scenery.

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    Indianapolis Canal Walk
    Indianapolis Canal Walk
    Look for this tall colorful mosaic to start your canal adventure!

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    Look for this tall colorful mosaic to start your canal adventure!
    Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust Allison

    Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust Allison

    4.9
    (11 reviews)
    6.3 mi

    One of the most interesting tours I have heard, and I knew little about engines before I went. The…read moretour was led by two gentlemen who worked for Rolls Royce. Their knowledge, great stories, and enthusiasm really made the tour. My dad and brother love engines and had lots of questions the guides happily answered. My mom and I know less, but the guides were great about taking the conversation up a level that made the presentation very understandable and fascinating to us. I enjoyed learning about the history of Rolls Royce and Allison, and the evolution of engineering the guides illustrated using engines they have collected and restored. This a great tour for anyone who loves to learn. If you enjoy engines (car or plane), don't miss it.

    Excellent little museum at the Rolls/Allison headquarters. Sign in at the front desk. I got there…read morejust before 9 so I had to wait a few minutes, but there are magazines and books in the lobby, comfy chairs, and a few aircraft models. There's a small company store, sadly closed on the day I went. The museum covers the history of Allison very well, and the later merger with RR. Mostly Allison engines on display, a few RR. Models on top of each engine depict the aircraft that used it. Some engines are cutaway; one or two are operable with the push of a button. A few artifacts from the factories, and information about the other products they've produced. Towards the back are spacecraft parts; I did not know Allison was involved with that. Of course, not being an Indy native, I didn't know about his connection to the Speedway, or Prestolite, etc. All well-organized, brightly lit, lovingly cared for. And free. If you are anywhere nearby, this is worth a visit. If you are an aviation buff, get yourself here however far away you are.

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    Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust Allison
    Welcome to the NEW James A. Allison Exhibition Center! Come on in!
    Welcome to the NEW James A. Allison Exhibition Center! Come on in!
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    Indianapolis Fire Department Museum - museums - Updated August 2026

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